Suspensions and dispensations
If you need special parking arrangements within a controlled parking zone due to a move or major works, then it is likely that you will need to organise a parking bay 'suspension' or yellow line 'dispensation'.
Find out more about suspensions and dispensations below and then go to the Residential suspensations and dispensations page to arrange for a home move or residential works, or the Commercial suspensions and dispensations page for an office move or commercial works.
For larger events which will have an impact on parking over an area, please see the Parking for special events page.
- What is a suspension?
- What is a dispensation?
- What about red routes?
- Penalties
- Unauthorised space holding and blocking
What is a suspension?
A suspension is where a parking bay within a controlled parking zone is temporarily removed from service, and is 'reserved' for a specific purpose. Examples are where a vehicle needs to park
- in a resident bay during restricted hours
- in a pay and display bay during restricted hours
- in a meter bay during restricted hours.
Suspensions are only effective during the hours of operation of the relevant controlled parking zone. If you need to park outside of these hours, then you will need to make alternative arrangements.
Please see the Controlled Parking Zones Times and Maps page for more information.
What is a dispensation?
A dispensation is where a vehicle is given permission to park a single or double yellow line during restricted hours.
Dispensations are only effective during the hours of restriction of the yellow lines, i.e.
- as signposted for single yellow lines outside controlled parking zones
- during hours of operation for single yellow lines within controlled parking zones (unless otherwise signposted)
- at any time for double-yellow lines.
If you need to park outside of these hours, then you will need to make alternative arrangements.
What about red routes?
Red route lines are controlled by Transport for London and so they should be contacted for any requests for dispensations. Call 0845 603 4545 between 8:30am and 9:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Penalties
It is an offence to park in a suspended bay during controlled hours unless that bay has been specifically reserved for you. You will be liable for a Penalty Charge Notice.
Similarly, if you fail to display your dispensation notice then normal yellow line restrictions apply.
Unauthorised space holding and blocking
It is an offence to
- hold a parking space by blocking it off with cones or other objects
- block a parking space, for example with a skip or building materials, without a license.
Both of these actions are considered to be an obstruction of the highway.
To report an obstruction, please complete and submit a Street Scene fault reporting form, specifying the fault as 'Wilful Obstruction'. Please help us find the problem by including the nearest property name or number, street name, and town.